1:16 Kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen 1 3in1 Sd.Kfz.265

Kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen I, Sd.Kfz.265 (1:16, Takom)

Injection-molded plastic kit of the German Kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen I (Sd.Kfz.265) command vehicle in the unusually large 1:16 scale from Takom. The 3-in-1 release makes it possible to build several forms of this command version. Thanks to the large scale the richly broken-down running gear with movable suspension, a partial interior and small fittings all show to advantage; the box contains photo-etched parts and a commander figure. Check the actual package contents and the markings against the manufacturer's part number for this item.

The real subject

The Kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen I was the command conversion of the light Panzer I tank. Instead of a rotating turret it received a fixed angular superstructure with a taller fighting compartment, which held a radio set and another crew member directing the unit. The vehicle came about in the second half of the 1930s and was used in the early campaigns of the Second World War, where it served tank units for command and communication.

Building and painting tips

On a model of this size it pays to assemble and paint the running gear and the interior before you close the hull. Glue the parts with liquid modeling cement for plastic and the photo-etched parts with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). After the base coat and the color, bring out the detail with a wash and add dust and mud effects with pigments; the large scale gives weathering, chipping and shading plenty of room.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of German armor of the early period of the Second World War
• Advanced modelers who want a large and detailed model in 1:16
• Anyone interested in the command and signals variants of the Panzer I
• Builders who will appreciate the build options of a 3-in-1 release

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.